Keon’s journey in Indigenous health

Originally from Brisbane, with strong family connections to Cherbourg, Keon enrolled in a Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (HLT30121) after seeing firsthand the challenges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can face when navigating mainstream health services.

“Growing up, going to hospitals with my mum, there was always a bit of a gap,” Keon said.

“It was hard for her to understand everything, and sometimes it felt hard to get the right care.”

That experience sparked Keon’s desire to become a bridge between health professionals and Indigenous patients.

Keon was also able to complete his training through Fee‑Free TAFE, removing course fees and making it easier for him to pursue a career in Indigenous health care.

“I wanted to be that middleman between patients and doctors,” he said.

“To explain things a bit simpler, what procedures mean, how treatments work, and help mob feel more comfortable getting care.”

Before enrolling at TAFE Queensland, Keon worked as a labourer in construction and landscaping, so returning to study in a completely new industry wasn’t without its challenges.

“Starting a new course in a whole new field was pretty tough,” he said.

“I’d never done anything like this before. It was all brand new to me.”

Balancing study with family life also required commitment. Keon travelled from Brisbane to the Toowoomba campus for block training, while managing school drop‑offs for his two young sons.

“The drive was another challenge, and having two boys as well,” he said.

“But I managed it. You just work it out.”

Keon said the practical nature of the course helped him connect theory with real‑world experience.

“What I enjoyed most was the practical learning,” he said.

“When you go into medical centres as a patient, they’re doing all these health checks. It was good to actually learn what they’re for — and then get to do them myself.”

The blended delivery, combining on‑campus practical blocks with online learning, helped Keon fit study around work and family life.

“I did a bit of both,” he said.

“I’d come to the Toowoomba campus for block weeks, then do my online study at the library. The flexibility really helped.”

Keon credits his teachers and mentors with supporting him throughout his learning journey.

“When I first started and met Mandy, she’d supported me a lot.”

He also acknowledged the guidance of mentors in the workplace, many of whom were former TAFE Queensland students themselves.

“They helped me a lot too. All of that support makes a big difference,” he explained.

Keon’s training quickly translated into employment, with his qualification helping him step straight into the health workforce.

“I got straight into a job with Metro South Health,” he said.

“Now I’m working a lot in the community, including my own community.”

For Keon, this is where the impact of his studies truly matters.

“Where I’m from, people don’t really go to medical institutions,” he said.

“But if they see someone they know and trust, like me, they’re more likely to come in and get care.”

Receiving the Indigenous Student of the Year Award for the Class of 2025 was a milestone Keon didn’t expect.

Looking ahead, Keon hopes to build a long‑term career in health care while being a role model for his children.

“I want to show my sons that if you work hard, you get what you want,” he said.

“And I want to keep helping my people in the community.”

Keon was presented with his Indigenous Student of the Year Award by Primary Health Care Educator, Mandy Beetson.